7/18/2009 - SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Two U.S. Air Force officers were killed earlier this morning in the crash of an F-15E. The aircraft was flying in support of coalition operations in eastern Afghanistan. The crash occurred at approximately 3:15 A.M. Kabul time.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to their families and loved ones...and to the Airmen and the Joint and Coalition team members who called them friends and will miss their fellow warriors," said Lt. Gen. Gary North, Commander U.S. Air Forces Central.

A team of U.S. and Coalition forces immediately responded to the crash
site, secured it, and recovered the Airmen.

Notification of the officers' next of kin is ongoing, and the names have not yet been released, consistent with Department of Defense policy. The Airmen will be returned to their families through a dignified transfer from Afghanistan to the United States.

The crash was not due to hostile fire. A board of officers will be convened to conduct a thorough investigation of the incident.

For more information, contact U.S. Air Forces Central Public Affairs at
011-974-458-9555 and connect to 436-4381/4014.